AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Guide
If you have an AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card (AZ DES Electronic Payment Card or Bank of America UI Debit Card) and have questions about your card, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about your AZ DES Electronic Payment Card, including what to do if you have not received a card, lost card replacement, how to log in online to check your balance, how to speak to a live person at customer service, and much more.
This post will cover:
- What is the AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card?
- Benefits of AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card
- How the Unemployment Debit Card Works
- Activate your Unemployment Debit Card
- AZ DES Unemployment Debit CardLogin
- How Do I check my AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
- Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
- AZ DES Unemployment Debit CardFAQs
What is the AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card?
The AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card is used by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to pay unemployment benefits.
It is a Visa Card issued by Bank of America.
If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Arizona, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America.
You do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card.
Purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.
You can then use the Debit Card to make purchases or withdrawals until the funds are exhausted.
The Debit Card is valid for three (3) years.
Benefits of AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card
There are several benefits to receiving your Arizona Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail.
Here are the key benefits of the AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:
Benefits of the card include:
- Get your money sooner.
- Use it everywhere VISA is accepted (in stores, online, and by phone).
- Withdraw cash at ATMs, banks, and stores with cashback options.
- Transfer funds to the financial institution of your choice at no additional cost.
- Be notified when a deposit is made to your card, or when you have a low balance.
- Receive fraud protection from a Zero Liability Policy.
How the AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Works
Here’s how the cards will work:
Once you are approved for Arizona Unemployment benefits and begin to receive your payments on the Debit Card, Bank of America will create a card in your name.
After your first unemployment insurance payment is authorized, Bank of America will mail the debit card to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
You should receive the card within 7-10 days.
Whenever you are due to receive your Arizona Unemployment benefit payment, funds will be sent by Electronic Funds Transfer to your Debit Card.
It is important to note that the AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card is NOT a credit card.
Therefore if you try to use your card for purchases that exceed your balance, your transaction may be declined.
How do I know if my new Unemployment debit card was mailed to me?
If you do not already have a debit card for unemployment insurance, you will receive one within 7 to 10 days of filing a claim.
The card will not be forwarded by the post office. If you have moved, you need to call the DES and change your address to have a new card mailed to your new address.
How to Activate the AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card
If you have received the Arizona Unemployment Insurance debit card in the mail, here’s how to activate your card:
Option 1: Activate your card Online.
You can activate your debit card online on the Bank of America Arizona Unemployment Benefit debit card website.
Once there, click on “Activate My Card” as shown in the image below.
Next, you will be asked to enter your debit card number, as shown in the image below.
Once you have entered your debit card number, click “Continue” and follow the instructions to activate your card.
For security reasons you will need:
- the 16-digit number that appears on the face of the card
- the 3-digit card security number that appears on the back of the card
- the last four digits of your social security number.
During the activation process, you will be asked to create a personal identification number (PIN).
The PIN can be used to make ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases
Once the card is activated, you will be given the account balance and may begin using it immediately.
Option 2: Activate your card by Phone
You can activate online or by calling 1.855.847.2030 toll-free.
Once activated, you may use your card.
AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Login
If you are trying to log in to your debit card, here’s a step-by-step process on how to do so.
Once you are logged in, you can check your card balance, view pending deposits or transactions, or file get information to file a complaint.
AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Guide
To login to the Bank of America online portal, follow the instructions below.
Step 1 – Visit Bank of America Debit Card Website
The first step to logging into your debit card online account is to visit the Bank of America website. Click here to be taken there.
Once on the site, click “Sign In” as shown below.
Step 2 – Enter Your Username
Next, you will be asked to enter your username as shown below.
This is the username you created when you first set up your account online.
If you entered the correct username, you will be asked for a password.
Once you enter the correct password, you will be taken to your account.
Forgot Username?
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
How Do I check my AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
If you are trying to check the balance on your Bank of America debit card, we can help.
Option 1: Log Into Your Account
The first option to checking the balance on your debit card is to log into your account.
Once there, select sign in to your account by clicking the “Sign in” link.
Next, follow the instructions to enter your Username and password
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
Option 2: Check Card Balance by Phone
You can also check the balance on your cards and review all your account transaction activity by calling the Customer Service number at 1.855.847.2030.
- There is no fee for online and telephone balance inquiries.
- Sign up for free balance alerts (mobile text message and e-mail) by logging in to your account.
Option 3: Via an ATM
Finally, you can also check your card balance at an ATM.
There is no fee for balance inquiries made at a Bank of America in-network ATM.
To find a Bank of America in-network ATM, click here.
For inquiries made at ATMs other than Bank of America in-network ATMs, the owner of the ATM may charge a fee. Bank of America won’t charge a fee.
AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
If you have questions about the Bank of America debit card, you can call the Bank of America Customer Service Center toll-free at the number below:
Phone (toll-free): 1.855.847.2030
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650
Call immediately if your card is lost or stolen
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is important to mention that Bank of America representatives cannot answer questions about your unemployment claims or DES programs.
If you have questions about your Arizona Unemployment benefits or application, call the DES at the number below:
Toll-Free: 1 (877) 600-2722
Phoenix: (602) 364-2722
Tucson: (520) 791-2722
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: 711 Toll-Free
You can call the Automated Telephone System to listen to recorded information about your claim.
Toll-Free: 1 (877) 766-8477
Phoenix: (602) 417-3800
Tucson: (520) 884-8477
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: 711 Toll-Free
AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Arizona DES Unemployment Debit Card:
How can I check the status of my Unemployment Benefit payment?
You can check the status on your Arizona Unemployment benefit payments online or by phone. In addition, you can view the latest benefit payment made to you and get information on the last time you filed, if you did not receive a payment.
AZ Unemployment benefit payment information can also be viewed by calendar year on the Income Tax Information page.
How to Check your AZ Unemployment Benefits Online
To check online: Visit the Weekly Claims page on the Arizona Unemployment Insurance Benefits website at azuiinternetweeklyclaim.azdes.gov. Once on the page, enter your Social Security Number (SSN)
How to Check your AZ Unemployment Benefits by Phone
To check by phone: Call the toll-free Arizona Unemployment Benefits Automated Helpline phone number at 1-877-766-8477. After calling, select “Option 2” to get information on the latest payment made to you or the remaining balance on your current claim.
For additional help, you can call the toll-free Customer Service phone number at 1-877-600-2722. You can speak with a live representative about your Arizona UI benefits Monday through Friday, 7am – 6pm or Sunday, 9:30am – 5:00pm.
My payment was sent but my Unemployment balance is zero – what do I do?
If you checked your Arizona UI payment status and it shows that your benefits were paid, but the balance on your AZ Unemployment Debit Card is zero – contact Bank of America customer service.
How do I report a lost or stolen AZ DES Unemployment Card?
If your Arizona DES Unemployment Debit Card has been lost or stolen, you need to contact the Customer Service Center as soon as possible. You can contact Electronic Payment Card Customer Service Center by calling their toll-free phone number at 1-855-847-2030.
The Bank of America “Zero Liability” Policy protects you against fraudulent transactions. All you have to do if contact customer service to report your card lost or stolen and request a replacement.
If USPS cannot deliver your replacement AZ DES Card, it will be returned to the bank. Contact customer service if you do not receive your replacement card in the mail and a new one will be sent to you.
AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card Summary
We hope this post on AZ DES Unemployment Debit Card was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Unemployment Benefits or Arizona Unemployment benefits specifically, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
California EDD Unemployment Debit Card
Nevada Unemployment Debit Card Guide
Maryland Unemployment Debit Card Guide
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits